Are you keen on using cannabis to make your own homemade edibles, cannabis-infused oils, or therapeutic topical salves? If that’s the case, it’s highly convenient and efficient to begin with cannabis that has undergone proper decarboxylation. 

If you’re not familiar with the term, don’t worry, it’s not a big deal. This article will provide you with a brief overview of what decarboxylation of cannabis entails and why it is crucial. 

Afterwards, we’ll go through the process of decarboxylating your cannabis, which includes easy-to-follow instructions on how to “decarb” your cannabis in the oven. The outcome will be an activated, versatile cannabis product that is ready to use!

What is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation, also known as “decarbing,” refers to the process of converting raw cannabis into a more potent and activated form. In scientific terms, it involves modifying the chemical structure of various cannabinoid compounds that are present in the raw cannabis plant, including both marijuana and hemp.

When cannabis plants are growing or freshly harvested, the cannabinoids found in their flower trichomes contain an extra carboxyl ring or group (COOH) attached to their molecular chain. Decarboxylation involves the removal of this carboxyl group from the cannabinoid molecule. As a result, THCA is transformed into active THC, and raw CBDA is transformed into CBD.

Some natural and gradual decarboxylation occurs when fresh cannabis is dried and cured after harvest. However, heat is the quickest and most effective catalyst for triggering the decarboxylation process. For instance, decarboxylation occurs almost instantly when cannabis is smoked or vaporized.

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Temperature

It’s important to know that different cannabinoid compounds and terpenes react to specific temperature ranges, and some may be activated, changed, or even destroyed at different temperatures. This is one of the reasons why we prefer using a versatile heat range vaporizer rather than smoking cannabis, as it allows us to experience the benefits of more complex components of the plant.

Similarly, when it comes to decarboxylating cannabis, it’s best to use low and slow heating. According to experts, the ideal decarboxylation temperature range is approximately 230-250°F, which is considered the “sweet spot.” This temperature range facilitates the conversion of THCA to THC while also preserving many other valuable cannabinoids and terpenes. The chemical reactions involved in THC activation or degradation will vary depending on the time duration.

Why Decarb Cannabis

Within the cannabis community, the unaltered cannabinoid compounds are known as the “acid” forms, such as THCA or CBDA. CBDA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and the acidic precursor to potent CBD. Similarly, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) doesn’t have psychoactive effects until it’s transformed into THC, the well-known compound that produces a “high.” Ingesting raw cannabis results in minimal psychoactive effects or “high.” However, when cannabis is decarboxylated, it becomes psychoactive.

This is crucial for those who desire to experience the psychoactive effects of their cannabis-infused products, such as edibles, oils, tinctures, and more. However, the benefits extend beyond the “high.” Decarboxylated THC and CBD possess scientifically-proven potent healing properties, providing relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other ailments. THC and CBD are quickly absorbed by the body and interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce positive effects.

The raw acid forms of THC and CBD, THCA, and CBDA, respectively, also have promising but under-studied medicinal uses. Consequently, individuals seeking a full-spectrum, highly therapeutic experience may decide to combine raw and decarboxylated cannabis in their homemade oils and cannabis salves.

How to decarboxylate cannabis

Decarbing cannabis is a simple process that can easily be done at home, especially using the oven. While there are several ways to decarb cannabis, such as heating it on the stove, in a double-boiler, or in a crockpot, these methods require constant monitoring and can result in uneven heating, overheating, or even loss of beneficial cannabinoids. 

On the other hand, decarbing cannabis in the oven is a precise, effective, and mostly hands-off method that ensures the preservation of the beneficial cannabinoids.

1. Before you start decarboxylating cannabis in the oven, make sure to preheat it to 250°F. However, it’s important to note that this process will release a strong smell of cannabis throughout your home for a few hours, so be prepared!
2. Next, line a baking sheet or glass baking dish with parchment paper to make it easier to gather and package the decarboxylated cannabis after baking.
3. Select the type of cannabis you want to use for decarboxylation. For this process, we suggest these which are less dense, not heavily groomed, and have loose structure. To create well-balanced oils or salves with healing properties, we prefer using cannabis strains that have a high amount of both THC and CBD instead of strains that are high in THC and low in CBD. However, if you want to make CBD-only products, you can also use a cannabis strain that only has CBD.
4. Tear the cannabis buds into small fragments. While some people grind their cannabis for decarboxylation, it’s not obligatory.
5. Next, decarboxylate the cannabis in the oven at 250°F for 25-30 minutes. If you want to keep more terpenes, you may use a lower temperature for a longer period, such as 230°F for 45 minutes, as shown in the chart provided.
6. It’s important to keep in mind that CBDA takes more time to fully convert to CBD compared to the THC decarboxylation process. Therefore, if you’re using a high-CBD strain to create CBD oil or salve, you need to double the time at a particular temperature.
7. To trap any cannabinoids or terpenes that may evaporate during the process, some people cover their cannabis baking pan with foil or place a second baking sheet upside down on top.
8. Once the baking time is complete, take out the baking tray from the oven and let the cannabis cool down completely. Its color should have changed from green to a light brown shade.
9. After that, transfer the decarboxylated cannabis to a glass container that is air-tight and has a secure lid, like a mason jar.
10. Lastly, store the jar of decarbed cannabis in a cool and dark spot, just like you would store regular cannabis!

THE LIQUID MARIJUANA SHOT RECIPE. DELICIOUS!

One more thing! It’s recommended that you use your decarboxylated cannabis within a timeframe of 3 to 6 months, especially if you plan to use it for making oil, salve or edibles.